KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Daniel Ayers, a left-handed pitcher who signed a National Letter of Intent with Western Michigan this past fall, has decided to forgo his collegiate career and sign with the Baltimore Orioles. Ayers was drafted in the 25th round with the 759th overall selection by the Orioles in last month’s Major League Baseball entry draft.

Financial terms of Ayers’ contract were not available, but the agreement is to run through the 2019 season. In addition, the Orioles are to pay for Ayers’ college education if he decides to attend college.

"We wish Danny the best as he embarks on his professional career," stated WMU head coach Billy Gernon.

Ayers posted a 3-1 record with 88 strikeouts and a 1.24 earned-run average in 43 1/3 innings as a high school senior at Columbus North High School in Columbus, Ind.